RESERVES IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 16, 30 April 1952, Page 1

RESERVES IN TAUPO

(To the Editor) Sir, — The author of your article covering History of Reserves in Taupo ("Times" of April 16), would appear to he a person in a position of authority in the Town administration. In his article he not only outlines the history of various Reserves, but takes the opportunity to reply to various letters recently published in your columns criticising scrubcovered reserves which are scattered throughout the residential area of the Township. He states that "Provided the Manuka or Broom area is not too large and provided it is bounded by cleared areas so thtait fire hazards can be controlled it is probably better left as it is than cleared and left to grow weeds." It is pertinent to observe that broom has been declared a noxious weed in the Taupo Town district, and furthermore as the township is not served by a water supply, it is in the interests of all residents and ratepayers that areas of scrub which become tinder dry during the summer months should be removed. (Many residents will recall vividly the terrifymg scrub fires which threatened Taupo in 1946). With further regard to the statement that "provided the scrub area, including broom, is bounded by cleared areas, etc., it is probably better left as it is than cleared and left to grow weeds": — If this is a statement of policy it may well provide ratepayers with grounds for legitimate objection when the time comes for the Noxious Weed By-Law to be enforced. Who will be the authority to make the final decision? — I am, etc.,

"CURIOUS."'

[Note: — The article referred to by "Curious" was prepared by a Times representative. He is not eonnected with the "Town administration" or the Town Board in any way. The facts contained in the article as to the history and present legal position of reserves were from official sources. Comment in the article on points raised in recent letters to the Times was included in view of the uublic interest indicated by these letters, and based on inspection of the reserves. Such comment represented the considered opinion of our representative, but should be regarded only as put forward for the consideration and judgement oi readers. The reference to broom does not, therefore, embody or refer to any 'statement of policy." It may be pointed out, however, that declaration by a local body of any plant as a noxious weed gives the local body legal powers to compel its removal, but does not necessarily indicate that that power is to be at once invoked. iSuch action is in the discretion and wisdom of the local body.] ,